FIRE BREAKS OUT ON 8TH FLOOR OF FORTUNE BEACH FRONT APARTMENTS IN VISAKHAPATNAM A massive fire has erupted on the 8th floor of the Fortune Beach Front Apartments, located next to the Novotel Hotel in Visakhapatnam. The blaze, which reportedly started earlier today, has triggered a large-scale emergency response from the local fire department and police. As of now, fire tenders are on-site, and efforts are underway to control the situation and prevent the fire from spreading further. The fire department has deployed multiple units, with personnel working tirelessly to ensure that residents in the building are evacuated safely and that the blaze is contained. Local authorities have cordoned off the area, and traffic has been diverted to ensure smooth operations for emergency vehicles. While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, an investigation is already underway. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, although several residents have been safely evacuated from the building. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported thick smoke billowing from the 8th floor and flames visible from a distance. Some residents spoke of hearing loud noises before the fire broke out, while others mentioned that they were alerted by fire alarms. The residents of the building, many of whom are families, were seen being escorted by firefighters to safer locations in the vicinity. The Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (VMC) has also been alerted to assist with ensuring the safety of those affected by the fire. The police have urged residents in the nearby area to avoid the building while firefighting efforts continue. Medical teams have been stationed nearby to assist with any injuries, though no major casualties have been reported so far. Novotel Hotel, which is located next to the affected building, has also been temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure. Response and Safety Measures: Fire officials have confirmed that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. Authorities have also instructed nearby shops and businesses to remain closed until the situation is under control. The Visakhapatnam District Collector has issued a statement expressing concern for the affected residents and assuring that all efforts are being made to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible. As the firefighting operations continue, more details regarding the cause and damage are expected to emerge. Local news channels and police sources will provide regular updates on the status of the situation.

WALTAIR DIVISION CONDUCTS FREE CANCER SCREENING AND HEALTH AWARENESS CAMP FOR ECOR WOMEN The Medical Department of Waltair Division organized a free Cancer Screening and Health Awareness Camp on 09 December 2025 at the Divisional Railway Hospital, Visakhapatnam. The programme, conducted in collaboration with Medicover Cancer Institute, was specially arranged for members of the East Coast Railway Women Welfare Organization (ECoRWWO) – Waltair Division, along with their spouses. The camp was held from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. The initiative focused on raising awareness about cancer, neurological, cardiac, and endocrine health issues. The programme was inaugurated by Divisional Railway Manager Shri Lalit Bohra and ECoRWWO President Smt. Jyotsna Bohra. A team of railway doctors, led by Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. D. Sharath Babu, conducted the event in coordination with Medicover specialists. ADRM (Operations) Shri K. Rama Rao also attended the programme. The health camp aimed to empower ECoRWWO members with vital information on major health concerns and ensure access to expert medical advice. An executive health check-up was conducted for all participants, followed by personalized wellness counselling. Dr. Nimmagadda Padmaja, Regional Director of Medicover Hospitals, delivered a special session on cancer-causing agents and preventive health practices. Addressing the gathering, Shri Lalit Bohra emphasized the importance of maintaining good health, proper nutrition, and regular medical check-ups. He encouraged women railway employees, spouses, and ECoRWWO members to prioritize their wellbeing and that of their families.